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The pass rate for the summer 2026 Common Registration Assessment (CRA) was 83%, figures published by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) show.
The 83% pass rate marks an 6 percentage point increase compared with summer 2025, when 77% of candidates passed.
Data published by the GPhC on 21 July 2026, revealed that of 3,326 candidates who sat the exam in June 2026, 2,748 passed the assessment.
Of the 3,326 candidates, 2,526 were sitting it for the first time, while the pass rate for first-time sitters was slightly higher than overall, at 85%, the data highlighted.
The figures also showed that the pass rate for the 150 second-time sitters was 59%, while the 72 third-time sitters achieved a pass rate of 65%.
As previously reported in The Pharmaceutical Journal in 2024, the pass rate has fluctuated in recent years, with the lowest pass rate recorded in 2019 (72%, 2,128 out of 2,942) and the the previous highest pass rate being recorded in 2021 (82%, 2,371 out of 2,907).
Those sitting the assessment for the first time have undertaken education and training based on the standards introduced in 2021 — including skills enabling them to independently prescribe from the point of registration.
However, learning outcomes for independent prescribing are not currently assessed in the CRA.
Lynsey Cleland, chief standards officer at the GPhC, commented: “This year marks an important milestone, as it is the first assessment sat by trainee pharmacists whose education and training was based on the standards introduced in 2021. As with any significant change, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the standards as further cohorts complete their education and training and take the assessment.”
Louise Goldring, director for education at the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: “Congratulations to all candidates who have passed this year’s registration exam. It’s a rewarding and exciting time to join the profession, and we are committed to supporting new registrants as they begin their professional careers and progress through their journey in pharmacy. Look out later this week for our practical, structured support to help you develop your capability and professional judgement as you start to apply your knowledge in practice.
“To those who did not achieve the result they hoped for today, you are not alone. The College is here to provide support and encouragement, whether through educational resources and revision tools for a future sitting of the assessment, or by helping individuals access wellbeing services and other sources of help.”
The charity Pharmacist Support offers confidential support to candidates following the publication of the assessment results, including for those who have not passed.
